Koné rejects contract offer from Sunderland

The Lamine Koné saga took another turn today with the news that the defender has rejected new contract terms from Sunderland.

The Ivorian international was on the verge of signing for Everton earlier this month after the Blues lodged a reported £18m bid for his services and he travelled to Merseyside to discuss the transfer.

He returned to Wearside without having completed the move, however, with the Black Cats refusing to sanction the transfer and promising to offer Koné the contract extension he was expecting on 1st September.

Though Sunderland have now brought that offer forward and presented the 27-year-old with a salary package reportedly worth £50,000 a week, their manager, David Moyes, told Sky Sports today that Koné has turned it down and reported for training complaining of a bad back today.

Those are being seen as signs that the former Lorient player is still agitating for a switch to Goodison Park before the end of the transfer window. While it was thought that Koné had submitted a transfer request just before the start of the new season based on an explanation of the situation attributed to him by the online media, Moyes has since claimed that neither the club nor the player knew anything about it.

"We want to keep him. We made him a contract offer this week, which at this point in time he's refused," Moyes told the media earlier today.

"I hope he will still be here. He's a very good player. I don't want to lose him. I've told him that from the start."

In the meantime, former Everton favourite Steven Pienaar has joined Sunderland on a one-year deal. He was released by the Blues in June and has been training under his former manager in the northeast this month.

Reader Comments (74)

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Iain Latchford 1Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:38:34

Looks a decent player. Sounds a bit of a bellend.

Tom Hadley 2Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:40:50

I'm starting to get a good feeling about us landing both Lamina Kone and Joe Hart. Personally I'd welcome both at our club, they'd improve us. Not sure why we'd putting such energy into the Ghezzal bid now though when strikers are a far more pressing need.

Barry McNally 3Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:45:54

Majority of footballers are bell-ends, especially at this level.

Zahir Jaffer 4Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:46:42

Joe Hart was pretty much placed on the transfer market. Not saying I want him, but he'll be a good addition.

Kone should be sorted within a week. Seems he wants out ASAP. He wont be playing this weekend due to some minor back injury.

Mark Riding 5Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:47:16

Utterly delighted that we now have players refusing to sign contracts and faking injury in an attempt to join us. The fact that it's Moyes makes it even sweeter. Too nice, for too long. The lad should be allowed to leave to better his career.. Sniff it Davie.

Sam Hoare 6Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:48:31

Kone, Ghazzel and hart?

Ian McDowell 7Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:51:34

I thought he was excellent v City last weekend. I'd be pleased to sign him. We need to be a bit more physical at CB this season. Jags seems to pick up injuries more now and Funes Mori is always likely to either give a pen away or do something rash.

Darren Dennett 8Posted
19/08/2016 at
16:52:08

Sam, I agree with those three plus a good striker by deadline day and we are good to go. Happy days.

John Cully 9Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:01:59

His behavior around this transfer is strange. He was happy to stay originally as long as he got his new contract. He possibly had doubts about Evertons genuine ambition but I don't think there are any doubts now. Pulling a sickie is just funny really. I'm not sure if I want him signed or not bit if Koeman wants him , fair enough. Catch the blue train Lamine it's going places.

John Mckay 10Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:05:58

What happened to Moyes saying he won't stand in the way of a player who wanted to progress for a higher profile team like the shit he was spouting at United when he was trying to sign Baines and fellaini!

I think Kone is pretty much a dead cert, I think probably the only reason he hasn't signed yet is because the Sunderland fans have wrote a protest or something and would be fuming if they sold Kone.

Maybe this contract rejection is just a way for the club to say to those fans that we tried everything we could to keep him... Usual Moyes bull shit basically that he fed m us for many a year!

John Mckay 11Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:05:59

What happened to Moyes saying he won't stand in the way of a player who wanted to progress for a higher profile team like the shit he was spouting at United when he was trying to sign Baines and fellaini!

I think Kone is pretty much a dead cert, I think probably the only reason he hasn't signed yet is because the Sunderland fans have wrote a protest or something and would be fuming if they sold Kone.

Maybe this contract rejection is just a way for the club to say to those fans that we tried everything we could to keep him... Usual Moyes bull shit basically that he fed m us for many a year!

Brent Stephens 12Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:10:26

Interesting that Sky are quoting Moyes as saying Kone won't sign a new contract. So this has some legs. Worth a fiver?

Get Kone in a nice hot bath with some relaxing candles and bath bubbles - his back will be fine.

Stewart Lowe 13Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:12:38

I think Hart will stay and fight for his place. All he has to do is train with the new coaches to show he can come out with the ball and be the first point of an attack. Guardiola isn't saying he wants him out of the club at all and the media has put that spin on it.

He is basically saying that he really rates Hart and he is a fantastic keeper but in order to be in contention ahead of the other keepers he needs to add a certain quality to his keeping. He has offered him the opportunity to stay and learn the qualities he is looking for which will put him back in contention. So its either go to Everton and win nothing, or stay and fight. It is likely he will win more trophies as a bit part player at Man City than at Everton. But the catch is he will considered less for England if he does stay on at Man City, talk about rock and a hard place.

Jeff Armstrong 14Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:15:10

Do we need him?

Williams, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Pennington, Galloway, Browning...

I'd much rather concentrate on getting in 2 or 3 decent strikers, we are so weak up front  even if Lukaku stays. No proper forwards available last week, and Kone on the bench (he's not a proper forward either). It's all wingers at defenders at the moment; where is our creative midfielder or goalscoring forward that we actually need?

Paul Conway 15Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:16:37

EFC is about to become 'The Different Gravy Train'

And a lot of ' Different Gravy' is about to hop on board!

David Barks 16Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:17:26

The alternative view could be that the player has rejected just getting more money and wants to move because he wants to compete at a higher level with a better club.

Dave Roberts 17Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:24:51

I don't share this enthusiasm for Hart. He makes far too many avoidable mistakes for me. I think Guardiola has seen this as well.

Eric Holland 18Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:32:49

Dave, all goalkeepers make avoidable mistakes, Hart also makes more than his share of match winning saves that is why he has been city's and England's No;1for so long.

Peter McHugh 19Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:40:40

Whilst an alternate view Mr. Barks it doesn't seem plausible since Kone himself said he wanted to stay but hadn't been offered a new contract.

Simon Harris 20Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:40:54

Great news about Pienaar finding a club too. Hope he does well.

Jay Harris 21Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:42:05

Has been is probably an apt description for Hart, Eric.

His form over the past year has not been to Premier league standard never mind international.

I just get the feeling he has some personal issues which are affecting him.

Scott Goin 22Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:42:06

We can look at this in one of a few ways:

1) Kone really wants to leave for a bigger club that looks like it could challenge for things soon.

2) Kone just wants more money than Sunderland are offering and know Everton will give it.

3) Kone is a bit of a mercenary who's creating a fake injury and putting in a transfer request when he feels he's being slighted. How long until he does this to Everton?

What I think is that there's nothing wrong with wanting more money or having bigger ambitions than Sunderland. Let's face it though, if Stones had shown up with a bad back after a transfer request, we would have vilified him. Kone's attitude towards Sunderland doesn't necessarily mean he would do the same to Everton but it does mean he's capable of it.

I'm willing to take the chance on him as he looks a strong center half. If he starts angling for a move in a year or two, fine, as long as we get a good transfer fee. He just better not pull a fake injury on us.

Dave Williams 23Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:47:49

It wouldn't surprise me if Moyes asked for Baines in part exchange for Kone so he could reunite him with Pienaar

John Malone 24Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:53:11

I really can't understand why people want Joe Hart he is an overpriced carbon copy of Tim Howard! It would be like deja vu as soon as he dropped a cross or flapped a punch!

I'd much prefer Jack Butland or Jasper Clissen!

Bit of a mess this Kone situation suppose that's what goes on these day's but it does make you wonder what type of character he is!

Eric Holland 25Posted
19/08/2016 at
17:55:54

Jay can you honestly say the keepers we have are better than Hart?An ex championship reserve keeper who has had one good game to date, and Robles who has been average at best.

Dave Williams 26Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:00:09

I don't think Kone is any different to most guys. He is offered more money to come to us so waits to see what his employer will give him to stay. Employer messes him around a bit or the counter offer ain't that great so he tries to force a move because he can't do what most of us can and just give notice cos of his contract.

Pretty standard footballer stuff!

Timothy Sebastian 27Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:00:31

I'd let Moyes have Baines for Kone plus cash. In Oveido and Galloway, we have 2 good left backs, with Garbutt away on loan as back up if needed.

Aidy Dews 28Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:04:16

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Kone was promised a new contract with fresh terms in the excess of £70K a week if Sunderland stayed up so £50K is way short of what he was expecting/promised so he's every right to turn that new offer down.

But the noises are that he doesn't want to sign a new deal has he wants to come to us.

I hope that in the next 2 weeks we can get this one over the line. He's a really good CB and seems to have a bit of everything. Height, stature, physicality, bit of pace, dominant in the air, good in the tackle, aggressive and he'd be a great addition!

Geoff Williams 29Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:09:18

However you dress this up, ladies and gentlemen, these are exciting times. Potentially in the next week we're going to be signing Kone, Hart, plus a top striker. If we're paying 㾾 million for a centre-half, then how much are we going to be paying for a striker? Hold on to your seats! ðŸ˜‰

Jay Harris 30Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:15:39

Eric,I think he has hit poor form and with his wages and ego I don't see a good fit.

I am not saying we shouldnt go for another keeper just not Hart.

For the sort of money we are talking about I would much sooner go for Butland, Forster or a top European keeper.

There has to be an up and coning DeGea somewhere. Let Steve Walsh do his homework while Stekenburg keeps the shop safe for now.

Varun Rajwade 31Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:24:18

Timothy, really give Baines as a makeweight in a deal?? Why would you do that..

Brian Porter 32Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:29:31

Can't believe anyone would want to let Baines go to Sunderland, not that I believe he'd go there. He's still our best LB no matter what some doubters may think. Like many of our players he suffered under Martinez's inept management and under RK we will probably see the only old Leighton Baines appearing again before long.

Andrew Bradshaw 34Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:35:06

I agree with Jay. I actually do not think a keeper is Ronald's priority this window. As for a striker, if you look at his previous teams he has never had a prolific front man, rather the goals are spread throughout the team, personally I would take 50-60 goals this way rather than like last year 20 + from Rom and diddly from the rest.

On another note, if we do get Kone, Ghezzal then we lose almost half the team after Christmas for African Cup? Do we have enough in reserve to cover this and also any potential injuries? Anyone know what is happening with Tarashaj as he has looked good.

Dave Roberts 35Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:36:10

Eric,

I know all goalkeepers make avoidable mistakes but the operative words in my post were 'too many'. If Tim Howard had been as limp wristed for Everton as Hart was in the Euros for England we'd have been lining up to lynch him. Last season he made a lot of mistakes for City too.

On the subject of Tim Howard, as bad as he was at the end, he too made many a match winning or point saving save as well but we don't want him back do we?

Paul Tran 36Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:39:27

Why the drama and psychological analysis? Looks like he wants to move to us and is engineering the move as best he can. A step up professionally and financially with a better manager to boot.

Why do people have to question his attitude? It's the way of the work, folks. Well win some, well lose some!

Frank Crewe 37Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:48:02

Aidy 28.Maybe when they promised him that salary they never really thought Big Sam would actually keep them up but he did.

Chris Gould 38Posted
19/08/2016 at
18:56:52

Moyes may very well do what Martinez did with Stones and make him stay - just to spite us.To be fair, they only bought him 6 months ago. We'd be livid if one of our players was trying to engineer such a move.

Gordon Crawford 39Posted
19/08/2016 at
19:00:16

Why the heck would you want to see Baines? He is still the best left back in the country. Kone I hope we get also.

Nicholas Ryan 40Posted
19/08/2016 at
19:10:55

Gianluigi Buffon has just said publicly, that Hart is currently the No.3 goalkeeper in the World, behind Manuel Neuer and David De Gea.

I think Signor Buffon knows a bit more about goalkeeping, than the rest of us do !!

Also, it may be a sign of Buffon's all-round class and humility, that he didn't include himself in that top 3 !

Gareth Clark 42Posted
19/08/2016 at
19:58:48

Kone, Hart & Chicarito next three I want in.

After that, the likes of Ghezzal and Brozovic would add something different & improve our squad!

In Koeman we trust!

Gordon White 43Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:07:08

Iain and Barry, you made us laugh so much. Lol! Nevertheless, I'm sure Kone would be a significant addition to the squad, as would Hart. I agree that we also need a "decent" striker before the close of the window. Assuming he stays, we would be seriously lacking if big Rom suffered an injury. For my money Baines is the best LB in the country.

Dave Abrahams 44Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:16:53

Eric (25) I think Everton's goalkeeper has played fifty one times for Holland so I reckon he must have more ability than you give him credit for.

Gordon White 45Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:19:28

Mixed emotions about this. Feel sorry for Moyes and the Sunderland fans. I know how they feel. But I'm hoping we get him, from an Everton perspective. My consolation is that it's us that will benefit for a change.

Mark Morrissey 46Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:28:17

Enjoyed seeing Moyes mardy little face whilst telling us that they had offered Kone a higher salary. I hope Kone digs his heels in and the top brass sell him from under Moyes nose. I can still see his stupid grinning face on the day he skipped down the road to sign for Utd. Had great respect for him whilst he was our manager but find him irritating beyond belief now. I hope this Kone replaces our other Kone

Mike Gaynes 47Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:30:48

Dave #54, I believe he hasn't played for Holland in four years. I think most people would consider Hart the superior keeper, despite his blunders.

Dave Abrahams 48Posted
19/08/2016 at
20:44:32

Mike (47) I wouldn't argue too much against that, but Steklenburg is a proven top class keeper who would have had many more caps only for Van De Sar being the Dutch goalkeeper for many years.

My main objection to Hart coming is that I think strikers are more urgently required than a position that IMO is already in safe hands, including Robles as back up.

Steve Hogan 49Posted
19/08/2016 at
21:01:50

Timothy (27) Oviedo before Baines? No thanks, I think Oviedo could be possibly one of the 'two or three' more players who Koeman mentioned have no future at Goodison.

Re the Kone situation, as much as I have little sympathy for Moyes, the player is acting and sounding like a 'little shit', imagine if the situation was reversed and he played for us?

Perhaps I'm being a bit naive in expecting anything better from the so called stars of the Premier league these days.

Lee Gorre 50Posted
19/08/2016 at
21:39:56

Timothy (27), Oviedo is rarely fit enough to be trusted even if he were better than Baines, which he isn't. Galloway isn't a left back long term.

Geoff Williams 51Posted
19/08/2016 at
22:16:54

However you dress this up ladies and gentlemen, these are exciting times. Potentially in the next week we're going to be signing Kone, Hart ..plus a top striker. If we're paying £18 million for a centre half. Then how much are we going to be paying for a striker? Hold onto your seats ðŸ˜‰

Mick Davies 52Posted
19/08/2016 at
22:28:09

After the way Everton have been treated over the Barmby, Rooney, Lescott, Fellaini, Stones etc transfers, I have little sympathy for any other club; We didn't create this dog eat dog situation, but with our new found wealth and top manager, we have turned the tables, and it doesn't upset me at all. I like Sunderland and wish their fans, and Pienaar good luck, but to see Moyes squirming over losing a key player is a joy to see.

Mike Gaynes 54Posted
19/08/2016 at
23:00:34

Dave #48, agreed that a striker is a higher priority, but the two shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Assuming Hart is a loan rather than a purchase, there should be plenty of cash left in the till.

Colin Grierson 55Posted
19/08/2016 at
23:17:20

In all likelihood the lad has probably been advised by his agent to throw a sickie and refuse the contract. They're all young men who are being advised by older men with no scruples or allegiance to anyone but their client and cold hard cash. As long as he pulls on the shirt he'll get my support.

Les Martin 56Posted
19/08/2016 at
23:58:55

Of course he has rejected the contract offer because he wants to sign for us!Next week Kone and Ghezza will be Everton players plus the big ... signing before shutdown, you lucky people!

Anthony Jones 57Posted
19/08/2016 at
00:02:04

"With the Black Cats refusing to sanction the transfer"?!!

You mean: Sunderland refused to sell their player, who only recently signed a long-term contract to play for them.

Since Moneybags Moshiri got involved some Everton fans are sounding like spoilt Redshite.

Steve Powell 58Posted
19/08/2016 at
00:05:57

Jay Harris #21:I just get the feeling he has some personal issues which are affecting him.

Is his dandruff coming back?

Mike Corcoran 59Posted
20/08/2016 at
00:43:07

Baines to Sunderland? More likely to see Joffrey join the Black Watch

Terry Hughes 60Posted
20/08/2016 at
01:24:40

Yes he does seem like a bit of a mercernary but haven't we been on the end of transfers like this over the years? Makes a nice change to be calling the shots for once

Neil Sagar 61Posted
20/08/2016 at
01:28:02

Get him signed; he will improve the team.

David Ellis 62Posted
20/08/2016 at
04:54:01

I think we'll get him in. He wants to come. Moyes will have to let him go.

James Wong 63Posted
20/08/2016 at
07:25:09

Offering him 50k is an utter embarassment from Sunderland.

It's obviously an attempt from the Sunderland board to make them appear as the good guys.

Jim Potter 64Posted
20/08/2016 at
08:36:00

Everyone's opinions on players differ - but Hart is a top top keeper and if he comes I'll be ecstatic. A poor Euros - yes, but class is permanent. He is a 'ten point' keeper.

We sadly lost our chance on Butland a few years ago.

Kone - personally I don't like players forcing moves in this twattish manner, but as people have pointed out - this is modern football.

If Sunderland are so keen to have a player called Kone in their side, I can think of a simple way to sort it out!

Phillip Mark 68Posted
20/08/2016 at
15:58:25

It seems that three centre halves are needed for Koeman's preferred formation so I'd say get the lad in. Give Browning a year on loan because he's going to have a big future with us but needs games. Then, if we can get a top goalkeeper and a top striker to push or support Lukaku, it will be a very good window for us and we'll have competition in all areas  the way it should be but never was with Martinez. If we can ship McGeady and Niasse off the wage bill, all the better!

Roy Steel 69Posted
20/08/2016 at
19:28:06

I really don't get this Hart thing, I totally agree with john@24, hes just a bigger version of Tim, as I wrote on another blog. He's 6ft-4in and built like a brick shithouse and puts the fear of death into his own defenders.

An absolute nightmare at corners and free-kicks  just the same scenario as the last few years.

Cilissen, Butland... or what about Tom Heaton or Wayne Hennessy? Please not Joe Hart. NSNO

Terence Tyler 71Posted
20/08/2016 at
22:59:58

Banned by Moyes

James Peter 73Posted
21/08/2016 at
15:21:46

Wonder if there's anything in him not featuring against Middlesborough?

Mark Morrissey 74Posted
21/08/2016 at
18:59:53

He told DM he was unavailable for selection due to a bad back...hence he has allegedly banned him banned him from what is not exactly clear if they don't sell him to us they are mugs.

Stephen Brown 75Posted
21/08/2016 at
19:05:02

Assuming Kone signs and assuming we play 4 at the back what's the preferred pairing?

Williams and Jags for me ? Although not the tallest pairing !

Interesting competition for places- can't see Kone, Williams coming in to play second fiddle or the club captain or Argentina international wanting to be on the bench!

Colin Glassar 76Posted
21/08/2016 at
19:06:28

Chairman Bill is playing hardball by offering £14m rather than the £18m his beloved David wants. Let's see if Bill can outstare his pupil(s) for once.

Robert Workman 77Posted
21/08/2016 at
19:47:46

Not exactly on topic but I just have to let off steam about this. Was just watching BBC World sports bulletin. Some Aussie 4 letter word is mentioning Sunderland's defeat and makes a comment to the effect that David Moyes, THE FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED AND REAL SOCIEDAD MANAGER, has not made a great start to the season.

No further comment necessary!

Gary Edwards 78Posted
24/08/2016 at
14:48:26

"Kone, who was forced to missSunday's home defeat to Middlesbrough due to a back injury, has turned down an offer of a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

However, Moyes insists he has no intention of selling the defender due to the difficulty of finding a replacement before the transfer window closes on August 31.

"Kone will stay," Moyes said. "The offer's been rejected by me, yes. I've had that offer for a while now and I could have invested the money two weeks ago but doing that is very difficult."

The ashen Ginger One getting above himself ... replacement huh ? how about Jagielka ? it's a win-win for all parties including Jagielka as I don't imagine Koeman would give him a long term contract and we install Williams as skipper, a real, vocal leader with no illusions about his ability to distribute the ball / take raking free kicks.

Vinny Garstrokes 79Posted
24/08/2016 at
20:40:18

I think that Jagielka and McCarthy may well be involved in making this go through before deadline day.

Dan Egerton 80Posted
26/08/2016 at
16:00:46

"I also know that if I was the Everton manager and Sir Alex had come asking for Baines and Fellaini, I would have found it very difficult to keep them. I always felt the right thing to do was what was right for the players." - David Moyes.

Practice what you preach, carrot top. Let him come to a bigger club!

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